Curved LG G Flex makes its TV debut in Argentina

With roots in the LG G2, the G Flex doesn't seem to compromise much.

Argentinian tech journalist Frederico Ini aired a segment yesterday bringing us the best look yet at LG's G Flex curved phone. During the segment, aired on Telefe Noticias, he demonstrated the phone's design and UI without diving into specific internal hardware.

The gently curving design (along the long axis) matches the renders we saw previously and the hints from LG Chem's curved battery announcements. Notably, the rear cover is graced by power and volume buttons, aping the LG G2, and the phone features the same 13MP rear camera. The rear cover isn't removable, so the curved battery is apparently not user replaceable. The UI is also classic LG, with no obvious changes enabled by the curved screen.

Ini's sources indicate that the G Flex will be released in South Korea next month, but no plans were revealed for a US, EU, or Latin American release.

We've asked LG for comment and will update this story if we hear back.

What's the point if it doesn't provide any sort of additional functionality? Just gimmickry for gimmickry's sake?

That is called differentiation. In this case horizontal differentiation since it is claiming to be "different" not "better" than other phones. Though I can't for the life of me figure out who needs or even wants this form factor.

One could see the fact that smartphones now start to veer off in all directions just for the sake of it as a sign that this market is maturing... It's pretty much the same with all kinds of products anyway.

Personally I really can't see a curved screen on a smartphone doing anything for me, but if there're people who like that, hey. Good for them.

I'm waiting to see what the response is from anyone that carries their phone in their pocket. The curve looks greater than most peoples' thigh curve. Although hard to tell. Bodybuilders only?

This looks just like the Galaxy Nexus. Assuming as much, I would say it's a non-issue. The GNex fit my (front) pocket just fine. The phone, in my pockets anyway, sits at an angle (almost sideways) where the curve is more in-line with my thigh. In fact I would say it's better than a flat device. The other upside is that the phone doesn't lay on the glass when placed face-down.

We need to incorporate this phone and a drinking bird toy into some kind of Rube Goldberg device that takes advantage of the phone rocking when the screen is touched. Bonus points if the machine repositions the phone for multiple birdie touches to dial a phone number.

We need to incorporate this phone and a drinking bird toy into some kind of Rube Goldberg device that takes advantage of the phone rocking when the screen is touched. Bonus points if the machine repositions the phone for multiple birdie touches to dial a phone number.

What's the point if it doesn't provide any sort of additional functionality? Just gimmickry for gimmickry's sake?

It theoretically matches the curve of your face when you're holding the phone to your ear.

Because now I can get a face print on the WHOLE screen, instead of just by the earpiece.

Another likely annoying feature:

I have a Galaxy Nexus which has curved glass over the flat screen. When I have my phone sitting in its stand on my desk at work (which is most of the time), the reflections are distorted and create distracting amounts of movement in the reflection when I turn my head. This may also be due to the way the glass is curved, about the top 1/3 of the glass appears to be quite flat.

Another Argentinian here. Come on, we all know how this works: the guy got a phone through some contact, was told "not to post or publish anything about it" and chose to ignore that. We'll see if he gets any other phones before launch from now on.

Another Argentinian here. Come on, we all know how this works: the guy got a phone through some contact, was told "not to post or publish anything about it" and chose to ignore that. We'll see if he gets any other phones before launch from now on.